Beverage mixer

ABSTRACT

A beverage mixer includes a container with a mixing assembly removably disposable on a base with a motor turning a drive mechanism engagable with the mixing assembly. A spout is operatively coupled to the container, and can include a valve operable to allow and restrict contents of the container and actuatable by an actuator. A cup indentation is positioned under the outlet opening of the spout when the container is disposed on the base. The cup indentation extends horizontally into the base and is formed by a perimeter of the base.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/278,713, filed Oct. 23, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/012,239, filed Nov. 13, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,527,433, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/248,254, filed Nov. 13, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to beverage mixer, smoothiemaker, or blender.

2. Related Art

Frozen, frosty, or icy drinks have become increasingly popular. Suchdrinks include the traditional shakes, and the more recently popularsmoothies. Shakes, or milk shakes, are typically formed of ice-creamand/or milk, and flavored as desired, with or without additives, such ascandies, chocolates, peanut butter, etc. Milkshakes typically areavailable at most fast-food restaurants, such as burger chains, and canbe made by special machines, or hand-made using mixers.

Smoothies tend to be more healthy, and are formed of ice, frozen yogurt,and/or sorbet, and also can include additives such as fruit, berries,fruit juice, vitamins, etc. Smoothies typically are available fromspecialty chains or juice bars, and can be made with commercial orrestaurant-grade blenders.

Such drinks also can be made at home, using a standard kitchen blender.One disadvantage with making such drinks, or utilizing blenders, is thedifficulty in operating the blender, or the inadequacy of the blender.Blenders often get clogged or otherwise stalled by the drinkingredients. It is often necessary to supplement the blending bystirring the ingredients with a spoon or spatula. The spoon or spatulacan get caught in the blades of the blender. In addition, using thespoon or spatula often requires removing the lid, thus increasing thechances for the ingredients to be expelled through the top of thecontainer.

In addition, once the blending is completed, it is often necessary toremove the container from the blender and pour the contents into adrinking cup or glass. It will be appreciated that the container has anopen top that is substantially larger than a typical drinking cup orglass. Thus, it is common for the contents to pour out of the wideropening of the container, and outside the narrower cup or glass,creating a mess to clean-up, and wasting the contents. In addition, itwill be appreciated that the shakes or the smoothies tend to be thickand/or viscous, and thus can be difficult to pour.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop asmoothie maker, beverage mixer, or the like, capable of facilitating themaking of smoothies, frozen drinks, and the like. In addition, it hasbeen recognized that it would be advantageous to develop such a mixer orthe like that facilitates mixing and/or stirring of the contents. Inaddition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous todevelop such a mixer or the like that facilitates pouring or removingthe contents.

The invention provides a smoothie maker, beverage mixer, or the likethat facilitates dispensing of the contents. The smoothie maker includesa base with a motor turning a drive mechanism extending therefrom. Acontainer can be removably disposable on the base, and can include amixing assembly rotatably disposed therein and engagable by the drivemechanism of the base when the container is disposed on the base. Aspout can be operatively coupled to the container to dispense contentsthereof through an outlet opening. A valve can be associated with thespout and operable to allow and restrict contents of the containerthrough the spout. An actuator can be associated with the spout andoperatively coupled to the valve to actuate the valve.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect of the present invention, thesmoothie maker can include a beverage cup accommodation indentation thatincludes an indentation configuration of the base itself. Theindentation is positioned under the outlet opening of the spout, so thatwhen the container is disposed on the base, a beverage cup can be moreconveniently placed adjacent the spout in the indentation. In additionthe indentation extends into the base to reduce a length of the spout toreduce frictional loses of contents flowing through the spout. The basecan include a perimeter base wall extending around and defining aperimeter of the base. The indentation can be formed in a perimeter ofthe base by the perimeter base wall. The indentation can extendhorizontally into the base, and can extend from a top of the indentationproximate the spout, when the container is disposed on the base, to abottom of the indentation proximate a bottom of the base.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the presentinvention, the smoothie maker can include a pressurization system toincrease pressure in the container, and expel the contents through thespout. An air pump can be associated with the base and can be driven bythe motor. An air line can be operatively coupled to and between the airpump and the container, to deliver air from the pump to the container toassist dispensing contents of the container through the spout. Thecontainer can form a substantially air-tight enclosure, along with thelid, the bottom portion, and/or the stir stick. The air line can becoupled to the container, the lid, the bottom portion, or the stirstick.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the presentinvention, the smoothie maker can include an impeller to further drivethe contents of the container through the spout. The impeller can beassociated with the mixing assembly in the container. In addition, theimpeller can form an oblique angle oriented to drive contents of thecontainer towards an opening in the container and out of the spout. Theimpeller can include a horizontally oriented arm, with the arm having anoblique angle oriented to drive contents of the container downwardly tothe bottom of the container. The impeller can include a verticallyinclined arm, with the arm having an oblique angle oriented to drivecontents of the container outwardly towards the opening.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the presentinvention, the container can have a circular, conical shape configuredto facilitate a vortex action of contents in the container when themixing assembly is operated. The circular, conical shape of thecontainer having an angular orientation from a vertical axisapproximately 10 to 25 degrees. The stir stick can be selectivelypivotable to disturb the vortex action of the contents in the containerwhen pivoted. The circular, conical shape of the container and thepivotable stir stick can cooperate to facilitate mixing of the contents.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial broken away front view of a smoothie maker orbeverage mixer in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side view of the smoothie maker or beveragemixer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a base of the smoothie maker or beverage mixerof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a container of the smoothie maker or beveragemixer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a stir stick of the smoothie maker or beveragemixer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view of a lid of the smoothie maker orbeverage mixer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the stir stick pivoting with respect tothe lid of the smoothie maker or beverage mixer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view of another smoothie maker orbeverage mixer in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 b is a cross sectional side view of another smoothie maker orbeverage mixer in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional side view of the smoothie maker ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a blade or an impeller of the smoothie makerof FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of a filter in an opening in a container leadingto a spout in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe thesame. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scopeof the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and furthermodifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andadditional applications of the principles of the inventions asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a smoothie maker, beverage mixer, or thelike, indicated generally at 10, is shown in accordance with the presentinvention for making smoothies, frozen drinks, or the like. The smoothiemaker or beverage mixer will be described below an illustrated withrespect to a smoothie maker. It is of course understood that the presentinvention is equally applicable to beverage mixers and the like.Smoothies and frozen drinks are examples of a field that may benefitfrom use of such a smoothie maker 10. The smoothie maker 10advantageously includes a spout and cup indentation to facilitatepouring of the smoothie, means for pressurizing a container to expelcontents of the container through the spout, an impeller to expelcontents of the container through the spout, a stir stick operativelycarried by a lid to facilitate stirring, and alignment structures tohelp align a spout of the container, as discussed in greater detailbelow.

The smoothie maker 10 can include a container or jar 14 removablydisposable on a base or housing 18. Thus, the container 14 can beremoved from the base 18 for cleaning, etc., while the base can includeelectrical components and the like. The base 14 can include a motor 22capable of turning a drive mechanism 26 that extends from the base 18.In one aspect, the drive mechanism 26 can be located at a top of thebase 18, and the container 14 can be disposable on the top of the base18, and on top of the drive mechanism 26. Thus, the container 14 canutilize gravity to help maintain the container 14 on the base 18.

A receptacle or socket 30 can be formed with the base 18 and configuredto receive the container 22, or a portion thereof. The receptacle 30 canbe formed on the top of the base 18 with the drive mechanism 26 disposedwithin the receptacle 30. The receptacle 30 can include a perimeter wall34 to receive the container 22, or portion thereof, therein. In oneaspect, the receptacle 30 can be circular, and the perimeter wall 34 canbe an annular wall.

The container 14 can include a mixing assembly 38 that can include aplurality of blades 42 rotatably disposed in the container 14. Themixing assembly 38 can be engaged by the drive mechanism 26 of the base18 when the container 14 is disposed on the base 18, or in thereceptacle 30. For example, the drive mechanism 26 and the mixingassembly 38 can include mating or matching couplings, such as one ormore intermeshing protrusions and indentations, so that the rotation andforce of the motor 22 in the base can be transferred to the mixingassembly 38 or blades 42 in the container 14. A lower portion or bottomof the container 14 can be configured to mate or match the receptacle 30to help maintain the container 14 on the base 18, and to properly alignthe mixing assembly 38 of the container 14 with the drive mechanism 26of the base 18, or couplings thereof. Thus, the lower portion or bottomof the container 14 can be circular to match the circular shape of thereceptacle 30.

The container 14 can include a base or bottom portion 46 secured to acontainer portion 50. The base or bottom portion 46 can be circular tomatch the circular shape of the receptacle 30 as described above. Thebase portion 46 of the container 14 can be removably secured to thecontainer portion 50, such as by screw threads, so that the container 14can be disassembled for cleaning. In addition, the mixing assembly 38can be secured to the container 14 by the base portion 46, or betweenthe base portion 46 and the container portion 50. Thus, the mixingassembly 38 also can be removably secured to the container. The mixingassembly 38 can cooperate with the base portion 46 to engage the drivemechanism 26 of the base 18.

The container portion 50 can be a hollow shell with an annular wall toreceive ingredients therein. In one aspect, the container 14 orcontainer portion 50 can be an inverted, circular, frusto-conical shell.The purpose of the circular shape is described in greater detail below.In addition, the container portion 50 or shell or wall can betransparent, or formed of a transparent material, to enable viewing thecontents of the container 14. A top of the shell or container 14 can beopen to receive ingredients therethrough, while the bottom of the shellcan be open to receive the mixing assembly 38 so that the mixingassembly 38 or blades 42 can operatively engage the contents of thecontainer 14. The base portion 46 can be configured as a cup to receivea bottom portion of the container portion 50 or shell therein, and toenclose the bottom of the container 14. Thus, the base portion 46 andcontainer portion 50 can form the container 14.

A lid 54 can be removably disposed on the container 14 to resistexpulsion of the contents or the ingredients in the container duringmixing, or while the blades 42 are rotating. The lid 54 can include anopening 58 therethrough. Thus, ingredients can be introduced into thecontainer 14 either by removing the lid 54 and inserting the ingredientsinto the container 14, or by inserting the ingredients through theopening 58 in the lid.

A stir stick 62 advantageously is configured to be carried by the lid54, and to cooperate with the lid 54, to allow the contents of thecontainer 14 to be stirred with the stir stick 62, and/or to cover theopening 58 of the lid 54. The stir stick 62 can be extendable throughthe opening 58 in the lid 54 and into the container 14. In addition, thestir stick 62 can be pivotable with respect to the lid 54.

The stir stick 62 advantageously includes a bulbous or ball portion 66pivotally disposable over the opening 58 of the lid 54. The lid 54 caninclude a conical or rounded indentation or socket 68 surrounding theopening 58 to receive the ball portion 66 of the stir stick 62. The ballportion 66 cooperates with the lid 54 to cover the opening 58 and toallow the ball portion 66 to pivot in the opening 58. Thus, the ballportion 66 of the stir stick 62 and the opening 58 in the lid 54 form aball-and-socket type coupling. The ball portion 66 has a bulbous,spherical, semi-spherical, or rounded shape that slides smoothly in theopening 58 of the lid 54 as the stir stick 62 pivots in the container14. In addition, the ball portion 66 limits the distance the stir stick62 can be inserted into the container 14 to resist contact between thestir stick 62 and the mixing assembly 38 or blades 42. The lid 54 oropening 58 can be configured to match or mate with the ball portion 66.

The stir stick 62 also can include a handle portion 70 and a stirportion 74. The handle portion 70 is configured to extend above the lid54, while the stir portion 74 is configured to extend below the lid 54,and into the container 14. The handle portion 70 can be configured tofacilitate grasping. In one aspect, the handle portion 70 can have abulbous, circular, or spherical shape that can be grasped by a user'shand.

The stir portion 74 can have a length that extends to a location abovethe mixing assembly 38 or blades 42, but without contacting the blades42, to prevent damage. The length of the stir portion 74 and the ballportion 66 captured in the opening 58 of the lid 58 advantageouslyprevent the stir stick from reaching and interfering with the mixingassembly 38.

A spigot or spout 80 advantageously is operatively coupled to thecontainer 14 at or near the bottom of the container 14. The spout 80advantageously allows the contents of the container 14 to be dispensedthrough the spout 80, as opposed to being poured through the top of thecontainer. The container 14 or base portion 46 can have an opening 81,with a proximal end 82 of the spout coupled to the container or baseportion at the opening. The spout 80 can form a fluid channel throughwith the contents of the container flow to be dispensed. The spout 80can include any type of valve and/or actuation system. For example, thespout 80 can include a handle 84 for displacing a plunger type valve 88within the spout 80. Thus, by lifting/depressing/turning the handle 84,the valve 88 is displaced allowing the contents of the container 14 toflow through the spout 80. The valve 88 and/or actuator or handle 84 canbe positioned at a distal end 83 of the spout. The spout 80 can includean outlet opening 90 positioned at the distal end 83. The spout 80extends outwardly and away from the container 14, to a position beyond aperimeter of the base so that the contents can be dispensed while thecontainer remains on the base.

The container 14 and base 18 advantageously are configured to facilitatedispensing the contents of the container 14 through the spout 80. Asdescribed above, the contents of the container, such as a smoothie ormilk shake, can be thick or viscous, and thus difficult to dispense bypouring out of the top of the container. While the spout can facilitatedispensing the contents, it will be appreciated that it can be difficultfor the thick or viscous contents to flow through the spout. The longerthe spout, the more friction is developed between the contents and thespout. Thus, the spout 80 can have a length L that is minimized. Whilethe spout 80 should have a length that extends beyond the base in orderto pour, it has been recognized that the base 18 itself can beconfigured to reduce the length of the spout, and thus reduce thefrictional losses associated with the flow of the contents through thespout. The base 18 itself can include an indentation configuration witha beverage cup accommodation indentation 100. The indentation 100 ispositioned under the outlet opening 90 of the spout 80 so that when thecontainer 14 is disposed on the base 18, a beverage cup can be moreconveniently placed in the indentation 100 and under the spout 80. Theindentation 100 advantageously extends into the base 18 to reduce thelength L of the spout 80, and thus reduces frictional loses of contentsflowing through the spout.

The base 18 can include a perimeter base wall 102 extending around anddefining a perimeter of the base 18. The indentation 100 can be formedin a perimeter of the base 18 by the perimeter base wall 102. Theindentation 100 can extend horizontally into the base 80, and can beformed by a vertically oriented portion 103 of the perimeter base wall102. The vertically oriented portion 103 of the perimeter base wall 102extends from a top of the indentation 100 proximate the spout 80 whenthe container 14 is disposed on the base, to a bottom of the indentation100 proximate a bottom of the base.

One or more protrusion 104 can extend horizontally outward from the base18 adjacent the indentation 100. Thus, the indentation 100 can bedisposed between, and defined by, protrusions 104 on either side. Theprotrusions 104 can be formed in the base 14 to properly position a cupor glass under the spout 80 to resist spills.

In addition, an alignment indentation 108 can be formed in the base 18or the receptacle 30 to receive the spout 80 therein. The alignmentindentation 108 can be located above the cup indentation 104 so that thespout 80 is positioned over the cup indentation 104 of the base 18 whenthe container 14 is disposed in the receptacle 30 on the base 18. Thelocation of the spout 80 at the bottom of the container 14, and the wall34 of the receptacle 30, prevent the container 14 from being properlydisposed in the receptacle 30 and on the base 18, unless the spout 80 isaligned with the alignment indentation 108. Thus, as the container 14 isreceived in the receptacle 30 of the base 18, the spout 80 is receivedin the alignment indentation 108. In addition, the alignment indentation108 and spout 80 can act to prevent the container 14 from rotating onthe base 18 when the motor is operated. The alignment indentation 108 isan example of one means associated with the base and container foraligning the spout with the cup indentation. Other means for aligningthe spout 80 with the indentation 100 include, for example, matingprotrusions and indentations formed between the base 18 and thecontainer 14, such as between the receptacle or socket 30 and the bottomportion 46.

The wall 34 of the receptacle 30 advantageously can include an angledupper surface 112 angled towards the alignment indentation 108. Thus,the wall 34 can have a smaller height proximate the alignmentindentation 108, and a larger height distal from the alignmentindention. In addition, the wall 34 can be arcuate or circular tosurround the receptacle 30. Thus, if the container 14 is places on thebase 18 or in the receptacle 30 without being properly aligned, thespout 80 abuts the upper surface 112 of the wall 34, and is guided tothe alignment indentation 108 by the angle of the wall 34. In oneaspect, the wall 34 can extend entirely around the receptacle 30 in acontinuous arc, with the most distal portion of the wall 34 having thegreatest height, and decreasing in height towards the alignmentindentation 108. The circular or arcuate shape of the wall 34facilitates rotation of the container 14 in the receptacle 30 until thespout 80 is aligned with the alignment indentation 108.

As stated above, the container 14 can be circular to facilitate fittingwithin, and turning within, the circular wall 34 of the receptacle 30.The container wall or shell can have an inverted, circular,frusto-conical shape. In addition, it has been found that the circular,conical shape of the container 14 can impart a fast, vortex action tothe contents or ingredients in the container 14 when the mixing assemblyor blades are operated. It is believed that the circular conical shapeof the container 14 contributes to the vortex action of the contents byhaving a natural shape of a whirlpool or vortex. In one aspect, thecircular, conical shape of the container has an angular orientation froma vertical axis approximately 10 to 25 degrees. In another aspect, theangular orientation can be substantially 15 degrees.

It has been found that the vortex action of the circular conical shapeof the container, in conjunction with selective pivoting of the stirstick 62, can assist in mixing the contents. Rotating, or pivoting thestir stick 62, tends to disrupt the vortex and direct or driveingredients downwardly. Thus, the circular conical shape of thecontainer 14 facilitates a circular vortex flow, while the stir stick 62facilitates directing ingredients vertically, and driving ingredientstowards the blades.

In addition, protrusions 116 can extend inwardly from the wall of thecontainer 14 to facilitate mixing or blending. The protrusions 116 causea more turbulent flow as the contents or ingredients flow past theprotrusions 116.

In addition, the stirring portion 74 of the stir stick 62 can beconfigured to facilitate stirring or mixing. The stirring portion 74itself can be selectively manipulated or pivoted by the user to stir ormix the ingredients. In one aspect, the stirring portion 74 can includebroad or wide fins 120, similar to a spatula, to push or move theingredients as the stirring portion 74 is pivoted. In another aspect,the stirring portion 74 can include at least two fins 120 and 122extending therefrom in transverse directions to a longitudinal axis ofthe stirring portion 74, and in transverse directions to one another, tofacilitate stirring and mixing. Thus, the stirring portion 74 can have across section in the shape of a cross (“x”) or plus (“+”) shape.Therefore, as the stirring portion 74 is pivoted in a circulardirection, a broad surface of at least one of the fins 120 or 122 willpush against the ingredients.

In addition, the stir stick 62 or stirring portion 74 can merely extendinto the container 14. The fins 120 and 122 can extend into the flow ofthe ingredients and cause more turbulent mixing, much like theprotrusions 116 on the inner surface of the container 14.

A bumper 126 advantageously can be located on a lower end of the stirstick 62 to contact the inner surface or wall of the container 14 as thestir stick is pivoted. The bumper 126 can be formed of a flexiblematerial to resist marring the container. It will be appreciated thatrepeated contact between two objects, such as the stir stick andcontainer, can result in marring, and that can be unsightly, especiallywith a transparent or translucent container. Thus, as the user stirs theingredients in the container 14 with the stir stick 62, the lower endmay often strike the wall of the container 14, but the bumper 126 willresist marring.

In one aspect, the bumper 126 can be an o-ring. An annular indentationor groove can be formed in the lower end of the stir stick 62 orstirring portion 74 to receive the o-ring or bumper 126. The o-ring orbumper 126 can surround the lower end of the stirring portion 74.

As is known in the art, the base 18 can be configured to be disposed ona support surface, such as a counter or work surface. Feet or tabs 130can be located on the bottom of the base 18 so that base 18 rests on thefeet or tabs 130. The feet or tabs 130 can be formed of a high frictionmaterial, such as rubber or the like, to resist sliding or movement ofthe base during operation. In one aspect, the feet or tabs 130 can belocated inwardly from a perimeter of the base 18, or with the alignmentprotrusions 108 extending outwardly past the feet or tabs 130. Thus, thebase 18 can be positioned on the edge of the counter or work surface, sothat the spout 80 and alignment protrusions 104 extend past the edge, sothat a larger glass can be positioned under the spout 80 withoutinterference from the counter or work surface.

In another aspect, the alignment protrusions 104 can extend outwardlyfrom the base 14 to a location substantially at or near a verticallocation of the spout 80, and the feet 130 can be located at the outerperimeter of the protrusions 104. Thus, the feet 130 and protrusions 104can resist tipping of the smoothie maker 10 due to force, such as adownward force, exerted on the handle or the spout 80.

Controls or a control panel with buttons 134 for controlling theoperation of the motor 18 or smoothie maker 10 also can be disposed onthe base 18. As is known in the art, the controls or buttons 134 can beelectrically coupled to the motor to control its operation. The buttons134 can include an on/off button, speed control, etc.

In operation the lid 54 can be removed from the container 14 andingredients for a smoothie or other frozen drink placed within thecontainer 14. Alternatively, the lid 54 can remain on the container 14,and the ingredients can be inserted through the opening 58 of the lid54, with the stir stick 90 removed therefrom. The container 14 may bedisposed on the base 18 before the ingredients are placed in thecontainer 14, or after. The mixing assembly 42 may be actuated, byoperating the motor 22, in order to blend the ingredients within thecontainer 14. In addition, a user may grasp the handle portion 78 of thestir stick 62, and pivot or rotate the stir stick, such that thestirring portion 74 of the stir stick facilitates moving and mixing theingredients in the container 14. After the ingredients or contents areblended, a glass or cup may be placed under the spout 80, and in the cupor glass indentation 100. The handle of the spout 80 can be operated todispense the contents from the container 14, through the spout 80, andinto the cup or glass.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the spout 80can be a removable spout, or can be removably attached to the container14 or bottom portion 46. For example, the spout 80 can threadably engagethe container 14. A seal can be positioned between the spout 80 and thecontainer 14 to resist leaking. A cap 140 can be removably attached tothe container 14 or bottom portion 46 thereof to cover the opening 81 inthe container 14 when the spout 80 is removed. Similarly, the cap 140can threadably engage the container 14, and a seal can be positionedbetween the cap 140 and container 14 to resist leaking. Thus, thesmoothie maker or beverage mixer 10 can be used in more of a foodprocessing manner, or with more solid ingredients, such as nuts, withthe spout 80 removed and the opening 81 covered by the cap 140. It willbe appreciated that removing the spout 80 prevents the more solidingredients from clogging the spout 80.

As the contents of the container 14 are dispensed, the fluid pressuredecreases. Thus, it can be difficult to dispense the remaining contentsof the container 14. A protrusion or wall 92 can be located adjacent anopening 81 in the container 14 for the spout 80. The protrusion or wall92 can extend into the interior from the wall of the container 14. Theprotrusion or wall 92 can be located on the downstream side of theopening 81, or opposite the rotational direction of the blades 42, fordirecting the flow of the contents towards the opening 81, and thus outof the spout 80. Thus, the mixing assembly 38 or blades 42 can beactuated to create a centrifugal (centripetal) flow which forces thecontents outwardly against the inner surface of the container 14, whilethe protrusion or wall 92 interrupts or blocks the flow, and directs thecontents out of the opening 81 to the spout 80. Thus, a glass or cup maybe disposed adjacent the base 18 and under the spout 80 to receive thecontents of the container 14 when the spout 80 is operated.

As described above, although the length of the spout 80 can be minimizedto facilitate flow, the contents of the container can be thick orviscous, and thus difficult to dispense through the spout. Referring toFIG. 8, another smoothie maker 210 is shown that is similar in manyrespects to the one described above. The smoothie maker 210 includes apressure system for creating an increased pressure in the container 214to assist in expelling the contents through the spout 80. The pressuresystem can include an air pump 222 to pump air into the container 214,creating an increased pressure in the container to exert a force on thecontents and force the contents out through the spout. An air line 224can be operatively coupled to and between the air pump 222 and thecontainer 214 to deliver air from the pump to the container. The airpump 222 can be disposed in the base 18 and can be operatively coupledto, and driven by, the motor 22. The air pump 222 can be a compressor, ablower, a pump, or the like.

The container 214 can form a substantially air-tight enclosure tomaintain the increased air pressure. A base portion 246 can be attachedto a bottom of the container 214, and a lid 254 can be couplable to atop of the container. The base portion 246 and the lid 254 further formthe substantially air-tight enclosure. In addition, a stir stick 262 canbe carried by an aperture in the lid 254, and can further seal theaperture in the lid to maintain the substantially air-tight enclosure.

As described above, the air line 224 can be coupled the container 214. Aconnector 270 can connect the air line 224 to the container. An aperturecan be formed through the container 214, or through the connector 270.The connector 270 or aperture can be positioned at a top of thecontainer 214 to resist the contents from entering the air line. Inanother aspect, the air line 224 b can be coupled to the lid, or at anaperture in the lid. Again, a connector can connect the air line to thelid. Connecting the air line to the lid positions the air line at thetop of the container to resist contents of the container from enteringthe air line. In another aspect, the air line 224 c can be coupled tothe stir stick 262. An aperture can extend through the stir stick, froman upper portion above the lid, to a lower portion below the lid. Inanother aspect, the air line 224 d can be coupled to the base portion246. An aperture can extend through the base portion. A check valve 280can be coupled to the air line 224 d to allow air into the containerwhile resisting exit of contents of the container into the air line. Thecheck valve 280 can include any type of valve, such as a flap valve, aball valve, etc. It is understood that the check valve can be disposedin any of the air lines. In addition, a check valve 282 can be coupledto a top of the airline 224 to resist contents of the container fromentering into the air line.

Referring to FIG. 8 b, a smoothie maker 310 can be configured with anair connector 312 between a container 314 and a base 318 so that aconnection is formed when the container 314 is placed onto the base 318.An air line 224 e can extend from the pump 222 to the connector 312. Inaddition, a portion 224 f of the air line can be formed in or carried bythe container 314, and can extend from the connector 312 to a positionat a top of the container. Again, positioning an outlet of the air lineat the top of the container resists the contents of the container fromentering the air line. The portion 224 f of the air line can be formedin a wall of the container. A bottom of the portion 224 f of the airline of the container can engage the connector 312 when the container isplaced onto the base. A check valve 320 can be coupled to the portion224 f of the airline at a top thereof to resist the contents of thecontainer from entering the air line. The check valve 320 can be of anytype, such as including a flap.

In addition, the mixing assembly 238 can be configured to assistexpelling the contents of the container 214 through the spout 80.Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, one or more of the blades 242 of the mixingassembly 238 can be configured as an impeller 243. Thus, the impeller243 can be rotatably disposed in the container, such as with the blades.The impeller 243 can form an oblique angle oriented to drive contents ofthe container towards the opening 81 in the container and out of thespout 80. The impeller 243 can have a horizontally oriented arm 245, anda vertically inclined arm 247. The horizontal oriented arm 245 extendsradially outwardly, and the vertically inclined arm 247 extendsoutwardly and downwardly at an inclined angle. The horizontal orientedarm 245 can form an oblique angle between a leading and a trailing edge.Thus, as the horizontal oriented arm 245 rotates, the contents areforced downwardly, as indicated by arrow 249, creating a pressure todrive the contents out of the opening 81. Similarly, the verticallyinclined arm 247 can form an oblique angle between leading and trailingedges. Thus, as the vertically included arm 247 rotates, the contentsare forced outwardly, as indicated by arrow 251, towards the opening 81.It will be appreciated that the impeller 243 can form one or more of theblades 242, or the blades can form the impeller.

Referring to FIG. 11, a filter can be formed at the opening 81 to resistlarger objects, such as ice chunks, from clogging the spout 80. Thefilter can include one or more cross members 253 extending into oracross the opening 81 of the container that leads to the spout.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are onlyillustrative of the application for the principles of the presentinvention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can bedevised without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings andfully described above with particularity and detail in connection withwhat is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferredembodiments(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be madewithout departing from the principles and concepts of the invention asset forth in the claims.

1. A beverage mixer device, comprising: a) a base including a motorturning a drive mechanism extending therefrom; b) a container,disposable on the base, including a mixing assembly rotatably disposedtherein and engagable by the drive mechanism; c) a spout, operativelycoupled to the container, to dispense contents thereof, and having anoutlet opening; d) a valve, associated with the spout, operable to allowand restrict contents of the container through the spout; e) anactuator, associated with the spout and operatively coupled to thevalve, to actuate the valve; and f) a cup indentation, extending intothe base under the spout, and extending vertically downwardly withoutobstruction towards a support surface and for receiving a cup so thatwhen the container is disposed on the base, and the base is disposed onthe support surface, the cup can be more conveniently placed adjacentthe spout in the indentation and rest on the support surface to receiveliquid flow from the spout.
 2. A device in accordance with claim 1,wherein the cup indentation includes an indentation configuration of thebase to reduce a length of the spout to reduce frictional loses ofcontents flowing through the spout.
 3. A device in accordance with claim1, further comprising: means, associated with the base and container,for aligning the spout with the cup indentation.
 4. A device inaccordance with claim 3, wherein the means for aligning the spoutincludes an alignment indentation, formed in the base, configured toreceive the spout therein to align the spout with the cup indentation ofthe base.
 5. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the baseincludes a perimeter base wall extending around and defining a perimeterof the base; and wherein the indentation is formed in a perimeter of thebase by the perimeter base wall.
 6. A device in accordance with claim 1,wherein the indentation extends horizontally into the base and is formedby a vertically oriented portion of a perimeter base wall.
 7. A devicein accordance with claim 6, wherein the vertically oriented portion ofthe perimeter base wall extends from a top of the indentation proximatethe spout when the container is disposed on the base to a bottom of theindentation proximate a bottom of the base.
 8. A device in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the spout has a proximal end operatively coupledto the container and extends therefrom to an opposite distal end, anoutlet opening being positioned at the distal end; and wherein theactuator is positioned at the distal end of the spout.
 9. A device inaccordance with claim 10, wherein the valve is disposed at the distalend of the spout.
 10. A device in accordance with claim 1, furthercomprising: at least one protrusion, extending horizontally outward fromthe base adjacent the indentation.
 11. A device in accordance with claim1, further comprising: a) at least one impeller, associated with themixing assembly in the container; and b) the at least one impellerforming an oblique angle oriented to drive contents of the containertowards an opening in the container and out of the spout.
 12. A devicein accordance with claim 1, wherein the spout is removable, and whereina cap may be removably attached to the container when the spout isremoved.
 13. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the cupindentation is provided between two diverging projecting portions of thebase and beneath the spout.
 14. A device in accordance with claim 1,further comprising: protrusions, extending outwardly from the base andforming extensions of the cup indentation to a position near either sideof a vertical location of the spout, wherein the protrusions resisttipping of the mixer when the valve is operated to dispense contentsfrom the container.
 15. A device in accordance with claim 1, furthercomprising: means, associated with the cup indentation in the base, forresisting tipping of the mixer when the valve is operated to dispensecontents from the container.
 18. A beverage mixer device, comprising: a)a base, including a motor turning a drive mechanism extending therefrom,configured to rest on a support surface; b) a container, disposable onthe base, including a mixing assembly rotatably disposed therein andengagable by the drive mechanism; c) a spout, operatively coupled to thecontainer, to dispense contents thereof, and having an outlet opening;d) a valve, associated with the spout, operable to allow and restrictcontents of the container through the spout; e) an actuator, associatedwith the spout and operatively coupled to the valve, to actuate thevalve; f) a cup indentation, extending into the base under the spout,and extending vertically downwardly without obstruction towards asupport surface and for receiving a cup so that when the container isdisposed on the base, and the base is disposed on the support surface,the cup can be more conveniently placed adjacent the spout in theindentation and rest on the support surface to receive liquid flow fromthe spout; and g) means, associated with the base and container, foraligning the spout with the cup indentation of the base.
 19. A methodfor filling a cup, comprising the steps of: a) providing a beveragemixer with a base, including an indentation for a cup, and a containerwith a spout positionable above the indentation; b) placing a cup in theindentation under the spout and on a support surface supporting thebase; c) actuating a valve on the spout to release fluid in thecontainer into the cup; and d) closing the valve.